There comes a time when the parent sends the child out into the world. When mom and dad can no longer make decisions for that child. A time when that young man or woman goes to mom and dad for an answer to a difficult problem and hears, 'You'll have to make that decision on your own.'

Or, they might say, 'What does your conscience say that you should do? What do you believe God would have you do?' Or even, 'Take what you have seen and heard in us, combined it with your own conscience before the Lord and move ahead in confidence.'

When does a full-grown man or woman become responsible for communication with the Spirit of God? When does engagement in the walk of faith become intentional for the believer? At what point should one pursue, inquire, and receive revelation, instruction, guidance, and truth from the mouth of the Father, through the Spirit of God into their own hearts?

In Christian circles today many men and women of faith, who have walked with God for many years, defer personal responsibility for their own growth. They relinquish it to the man who stands in the pulpit week after week.

Shouldn't we ourselves,pursue, build, and nourish an intimate, continuous fellowship with the indwelling Spirit of Life? I do not say that Christians should avoid church. I simply say that those who claim to walk with God should at some point take their faith and the condition of it, and own it. Beyond eating weekly from the table set by a preacher, when do we eat daily from the garden that we've planted and tended? Once nourished and filled from that produce, shall we not then share the abundance with whomever we face day by day?

In so many ways otherwise mature, otherwise intelligent, otherwise sincere believers have chosen to remain as children in regards to maturity in faith. No pastor can believe for you. No parent can believe for you. No great saint can do God's works or apprehend His promises for you. None can walk in righteousness for you, hear God’s voice, renew your mind or direct your steps for you.

Those in our circle of influence need to see, hear and feel the authentic impact of our faith in action. We must hear from God ourselves to appropriate His power, His word and His love in and through our lives. Let's strengthen our feeble knees and limp hands. Let's invigorate our souls with robust praise and thanksgiving. We are the sons and daughters of our Father in heaven. We are sent to fully declare and re-present the glory and goodness of the Son of life - Jesus Christ.

We are God's touch, His revelation, comfort and salvation to the people we encounter. Shall we not, personally, take initiative to build ourselves up in this costly faith of ours?
There comes a time. For us, it's now.